Archive for the ‘Nutrition’ Category

If you are looking for a tasty treat that is unique and an easy way to get in your greens, try this recipe. I bought a huge bunch and only used about 6 long stems to make enough for two. Use a larger pan if you want more and make sure its not to overlap as the lower leaves will take longer. Be sure to shake out the water, I didn’t use a spinner. Cook long enough for them to be crispy to touch but not burnt.

1 bunch Kale
Tablespoons of oil, 2 or 3

seasoned salt, or table salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. You can line a insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper. I put it right on the sheet.

2. Tear them away from the stems and tear into bite size pieces. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt, and toss in a bowl. Then line single layer on a baking sheet.

There are many different methods we can use to detox our bodies. Here are some simple options you may choose to begin

1. Drink Water. Flushing out toxins and hydrating the body systems is the result of drinking plenty of fresh water. 8-12 glasses of water a day is the first recommendation for your detox.

2. Focus on gut health. Is your digestive system too acidic?

One of the first steps toward better health is a body that’s more alkaline. As the acid-alkaline balance is essential, with so many bodily functions occurring only at a certain level of acidity or alkalinity, the body is constantly striving to achieve a state of equilibrium. Just a small change in pH can have a profound effect on body functioning.

The first step towards great health begins with helping the body become more alkaline. Try Apple Cider Vinegar. While you might think that raw organic ACV is acidic, when consumed, it actually becomes alkaline.

Homemade morning tonic: 2 tbl of apple cider vinegar, juice of a whole lemon, and tsp of organic honey. Mix in a small glass of warm water first thing in the morning.

3. Consider a probiotic. Another option to help restore normal intestinal function, is to create a balance in the mircroflora in the intestines by adding a probiotic. These healthy microorganisms can assist in bringing the digestive system into better function. I use Probiotic Restore as its a reputable brand. When selecting your probiotic, be sure to check whether the bottle needs to be refrigerated, as even room temperature can reduce its natural effects.

4. Consult a detox professional. I am not, but be sure to discuss their methods before investing in a program to ensure you are on board with a plan. I recommend Elaine King at simply-healthy.com.

FOR SERVING (optional)
• Sliced avocado
• Bed of greens
• Sliced onion
Instructions
1. Perce clean sweet potatoes several times with a knife. Wrap with a paper towel, and microwave 3 minutes a time, rotating and repeat until soft to the touch. Let cool. While potatoes are cooking, cook rice or quinoa (see notes for instructions).
2. Add black beans to a mixing bowl and mash half of them for texture. Then add sweet potato scooped from skin and lightly mash, then 1 cup grain, onion, nut meal and spices. Mix to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more rice or nut meal if the mixture feels too wet.
3. Lightly grease a baking sheet and line a 1/4 cup measuring cup with plastic wrap. Fill the lined measuring cup with sweet potato mixture. Turn over onto the baking sheet and gently press down to mash.
4. Bake burgers for a total 30-35 minutes, gently flipping 15 minutes in to ensure even cooking. The longer you bake them the firmer and drier they will get. I check them at the 25 minute mark.
5. Serve on thin buns (double stack for more bulk) or atop a salad with sliced avocado, red onion, greens, or salsa.
6. Store leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to a few days. Freeze and when needed grab one to thaw for easy snacks or on the go meal.

Notes
*For quinoa: rinse 1 cup quinoa and add to a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté in a bit of olive oil for 1-2 minutes, then add 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and continue cooking for about 15 minutes or until tender and fluffy and the water is absorbed.

Put almonds in blender and blend until coarse to powdered, and put in a shallow bowl or dish. Add spices and toss. Rinse chicken, and coat each piece on each side in batter. Place in a shallow baking pan coated with spray or melted coconut oil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until slightly browned. Check after about 10 minutes to ensure cooked through.

Serve with a green salad and veggies, or portion to go for an easy snack. Double recipe for the family and for leftovers.

Studies on blue zones, areas where people live to over 100 years old, found that all of them eat a rich array of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are packed with disease-fighting nutrients. In this category we include beans as the cornerstone of most centenarian diets is beans. Favorites include fava, black, soy and lentils as they are rich in fiber and protein. Phytochemicals and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, including a variety of colors, support a healthy body.

Meats can still be on the menu but consider them as a side or ingredient, and choose the leanest, finest meat you can afford. If you are grilling, minimize charing as this creates bad free radicals that wreak havoc on our bodies cells. Limit portions to the size of a deck of cards and try eating no more than twice a week. This is consistent with the USDA’s MyPlate recommendations to make fruits, vegetables and grains the majority of your intake.

If you find it hard to avoid meat, trying eliminating it for just one day, and focus rather on salads, stews, and combining beans with nuts or grains for a heartier meal. Eating nuts—a handful a day – provides essential fats, and can give you an extra 2-3 years of life expectancy!

If you are looking at a better quality of life, and a longer more exuberant life, I’d follow these people’s example!

Even though we cannot do much about our body’s response to specific allergens, we can support our overall health which impacts how we feel and recover from these attacks. Good healthy whole foods, fresh water, a good night’s sleep and maintaining stress factors in life are the best ways we can keep a healthy body. Yet, here is just a few of my recommendations from Advocare’s product line to supplement your nutrition. Additionally, I can help you find solutions to fill in the gaps of what you may be missing in your daily nutrition. Just give me a call.